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Quickie Blog: R.I.P. Joe Paterno

A few months ago, news of Joe Paterno's passing would have devastated me.  One of the most iconic football people of all time, he was the picture of everything a coach should be.  I worshiped Joe Pa and Penn St was one of my favorite teams.  A few months ago, when the news about Jerry Sandusky, a name that was always known to me, came out and ran through PSU like a tornado, I was floored.  I knew in my heart Joe Pa knew nothing.  Then I read the testimony of one of their coaches who witnessed one of the horrid acts committed by coach Sandusky.  I knew, just from the words, that this was true. 

Joe Paterno was a great man.  The key word is was.  He did well for more men than most of us can ever hope to.  He was a man that many look up to.  In every way, he was an inspiration.  The problem is he had an opportunity many of don't have.  He had an opportunity to save people and he chose to be silent.  He had an opportunity to act and he chose not to.  We will never know if it was fear, cowardice or just confusion.  A lot of people dislike me because I speak too much about things people don't want to hear.  A lot of people now dislike Joe Paterno for the exact opposite.

I have been a Penn State fan since as long as I can remember.  I have been a Joe Paterno fan since as long as I can remember. There is one thing I can remember and sadly, that is the day I stopped.  Joe Paterno taught a great number of young men good things.  In his darkest hour, he taught me too. He taught me that I have always been right and one should never be silent about anything that could hurt a child.  It's a cliche to say that children are our future, but imagine what your future would be like if you had to live with the past these kids endured?

R.I.P. Joe Paterno....you were a good man, but could have been great.

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